Air Sealing and Insulation

The following interview is a home interview from the 2011 Coos County Green and Solar Living tour.

Each year, Sol Coast organizes the Coos County version of the solar tour sponsored by Solar Oregon (http://solaroregon.org/) . Typically, these tours are site visits via car, bus, or combo. This year, we combined the day event with Octoberfish (http://orcca.us/events.html) and a virtual tour via video interviews.

Energy Adjustments:

• Foam-sealed and insulated floor
• Sealed attic penetrations
• Add insulation to attic
• Weatherize attic access

Janet and David live on a parcel of tranquil forest paradise.  Their home is surrounded by trees, a hillside garden, and an abundance of…quiet.  The only thing wanting was a bit less house draftiness and lower heating bills.  The older portion of their home was too leaky, carrying away too much electrically heated air and had too little insulation in the floor.  The newer portion just needed a few air leaks sealed up and some added insulation.  The remedy came in the form of spray foam under the floor, sealing and insulating in one application.  Then, in the attic, Coastline West spot sealed any penetrations in the ceiling before adding more insulation.  Janet and David should feel the difference this winter and notice the savings as their heat pump uses less electricity.  The next step will be on-site generation of electricity when the sun shines with a photovoltaic array in their garden, over the shade-loving vegetables.